Peanut butter granola bars

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 1/4 cups oats
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Stir the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil together in a medium saucepan.  Cook on low heat until the mixture reaches a simmer and stir often so that the bottom of the mixture does not burn.  Remove from the heat.

Add the vanilla and salt, and stir until combined.  Add in the oats and almonds, and stir until completely combined.   

Spread the mixture in a form or a pan (on top of some baking paper) and spread it evenly. Let it cool for an hour (or 15 minutes in the fridge) before adding the chocolate chips on top.

Press the granola firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.  (I use the bottom of a bowl to help press it down so that it is flat.)  Then cover and refrigerate the granola bars for about an hour or so, or until they are chilled.

Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.  Cut and enjoy!